| Abstract/Description or Keywords |
Surface hydrology (used interchangeably with surface water quantity or stream flow) forms a key component of the aquatic environment, as the magnitude, frequency, duration and timing of stream discharge are directly linked to other components of the aquatic ecosystem. These include groundwater quantity and quality, surface water quality, fish and fish habitat, and aquatic resources. The Kemess Underground Project (the Project) has the potential to affect surface hydrology by altering the stream flow regime in basins that are located within or downstream of the Project footprint. Accordingly, this chapter: • summarizes the baseline hydrological conditions within the local and regional study areas (Appendix 10-A); • identifies potential interactions between Project components, Project activities and surface hydrology through a screening process; • proposes mitigation measures to reduce or nullify the effects of Project activities on surface hydrology; • screens water balance model results (refer to Appendix 11-D) and describes residual effects of the Project on the surface hydrology, and; • assesses cumulative effects on surface hydrology from the Project in combination with past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future projects. This chapter follows the effects assessment methodology described in Chapter 8 of the Application. |
